Best FreeSync Gaming Monitor

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As a gamer, few things are more frustrating than losing because of your monitor. A lagging screen can cause you to miss your shot or have to slow down your progress so that your graphics card can keep up.

Maybe you’ve had trouble with images stuttering or loading abruptly. Or maybe you’ve been getting blurry, partial, or distorted pictures on the screen. All of these scenarios are equally infuriating and can cause you to lose your game.

Monitor manufacturers have heard the concerns of gamers over the years and actively worked to remedy the problem. The best solution available today is FreeSync technology. Instead of updating the image on your screen at set time intervals, these graphics cards only update your view when they have a complete picture to show.

Especially when combined with quick response times and refresh rates, these FreeSync monitors solve all of your gaming woes. When you start gaming with any of the monitors on our list, you won’t have your technology to blame for mistakes or losses anymore.

Scroll down for our complete list of reviews for the best FreeSync gaming monitors available on the market today.

If you’re ready to upgrade your gaming system with a monitor that looks great and works even better, consider the Gigabyte FI27Q-P.

The ergonomic stand allows you to customize your desk by adjusting the height as well as pivoting, tilting, and swiveling the screen. You can make this monitor work for you in your space, instead of having to rearrange everything as part of your upgrade.

Its 27-inch wide-angle screen has an aspect ratio of 16:9 and sets you up to enjoy both games and movies. With a resolution of 2560 x 1440 on an IPS LED display panel, you’ll be blown away with the crisp display.

OSD Sidekick allows you to adjust the display without fooling around with the monitor’s buttons. Once you have your settings dialed in, you’ll appreciate the cinematic grade DCI-P3 colors and 10-bit color depth. With these specs, images appear sharper and lifelike.

This monitor’s refresh rate is 165 Hz, which creates smooth transitions on the screen. Combine that with the extremely quick 1 millisecond (ms) response time, and you’ll feel as if you’re in the game. If, for some reason, these specifications can’t keep up with your gameplay, this FreeSync gaming monitor still won’t tear or blur the image on the screen. There’s not a more realistic monitor than the Gigabyte FI27Q-P on our list.

PROS

95% color accuracy and 10-bit color depth

Speedy 1 MS response time

Smooth 165 Hz refresh rate

CONS

Slight backlight bleed

2) Best Value: ASUS TUF Gaming VQ27AQ

The VQ27AQ is designed to give you the upper hand while gaming. Its impressive specs combine with advanced technologies to create a system that helps you, instead of holding you back like other models.

When you game, your reaction time often makes the difference between life and death or a win and a loss. To come out on top, you need a system that enables you to perform immediate reactions. The 165 Hz refresh rate and 1 ms response time prevent you from missing something because your graphics card couldn’t keep up with gameplay.

The 27-inch screen has a 2560 x 1440 resolution. This setup has a 77 percent larger viewing area than most standard HD monitors. It has 178 degrees of viewing angles to make it even easier to see from any perspective. With this, you can play from multiple positions in your space, like your couch, bed, and desk. This option is especially helpful if you’re playing multiplayer games in the same room.

Using shadow boost technology, and with an aspect ratio of 16:9, you can see everything clearly. Dark areas have a better definition, whether you’re trying to find enemy combatants or determine the best way to go.

For serious gamers, the VQ27AQ is the monitor on our list with the most bang for your buck. You’ll see a good return on investment when you find yourself at the top of the scoreboards thanks to the smooth, clear graphics.

PROS

Affordable price tag

Quick refresh creates gaming advantage

Shadow boost technology makes even the darkest areas clear

CONS

Shorter lifespan than other monitors

3) Best Budget: ViewSonic XG2402

Even when your wallet can’t afford all of the bells and whistles, you still need a monitor that performs well and keeps up with your games. The ViewSonic XG2402 brings all of the benefits of the advanced VRR FreeSync technology at a lower cost.

The 24-inch screen with 1080p HD resolution brings quality visuals that make it easy to see what’s going on. The 16:9 aspect ratio ensures you experience the entire game display without distortion. There’s even a 22-level black stabilization function that creates a clear view even in the darkest corners.

Many gaming systems on the market can’t keep up with anything faster than a 144 Hz refresh rate. Why pay for technology you might not even use? When combined with the built-in FreeSync technology, this system is fast enough to avoid torn or lagging graphics.

Besides, the 1 ms response time is just as fast as the most advanced monitor on our list. With this, your game will load fast and smoothly. The power combo of FreeSync and a quick response time ensure that it won’t be the monitor’s fault if you miss your shots!

While this screen might not have the most impressive specs on the market, it adds value through other features. A 3-year warranty and reliable customer service ensure that you won’t find yourself out of luck with a broken monitor. Built-in cord management, including a headphone hook, keeps your playing area organized.

PROS

3-year warranty

Affordable price

1 ms response time

CONS

144 Hz refresh rate

24″ screen size

4) Alternative Pick #1: Samsung C32HG70

Some gamers yearn to feel fully integrated into their virtual world. They want to be surrounded by the sounds, visuals, and feel of the game. If they could play in an IMAX theater every day, they would jump in without hesitation. For individuals like these who want to be part of their digital reality, the Samsung C32HG70 is the monitor for you.

The giant 32-inch screen is curved to draw you into the world of the game better. You’ll be required to use your peripheral vision to be sure nothing sneaks by you on the sides. Especially when combined with surround sound headphones, it will feel as if you’re living inside of your game.

Luckily, the remarkably high resolution and quantum dot technology make extremely clear visuals. The 2560 x 1440 resolution with a 16:9 aspect ratio has almost double the pixels of full HD. This combination shows levels of depth and detail on the screen that mimic the real world.

Quantum dot technology takes it to the next level of lifelike with a billion different colors. As a result, the shading alone makes you feel like you’re there. With screen pictures this good, no target can sneak by you.

The 1 ms response time prevents any screen lag that will pull you out of the zone. Even though the refresh rate is only 144 Hz, you won’t notice it. The FreeSync graphics card works with the ultra-speed response time to make up for the slightly slower refresh rate. All you’ll see is the impressive image clarity and your next target.

PROS

Extra-large 32-inch screen

2560 x 1440 resolution

Quantum dot color technology

CONS

144 Hz refresh rate

5) Alternative Pick #2: ViewSonic XG3220

Experienced gamers know that long-term gaming can affect your health. At best, you might find yourself with a crick in your neck or a sore back. At worst, you can develop a chronic injury or need a new glasses prescription.

The design and features of the ViewSonic XG3220 work to mitigate the hazards of extended screen time. Blue light blocking technology keeps the screen from damaging your eyes. The adjustable screen and stand allow you to create an ergonomic, optimal playing position for your stature and desk setup. There are even built-in speakers so that you don’t have to risk damaging your ears with loud headphones.

This monitor has an expansive 32-inch screen with 4K resolution. The ultra HD resolution of 3840 x 2160 has four times the pixels of standard HD screens. Coming in with a 16:9 aspect ratio, the graphic capabilities on this setup are top-notch.

The area in which this monitor falls short is the graphics speed. The response time is a drawn-out 5 ms, and the refresh rate is 60 Hz. For some gaming systems, this is plenty. However, many modern games require faster changeovers to prevent lags and ghosting.

PROS

4K ultra high definition resolution

Blue-light blocker technology

3-year warranty

CONS

Slow refresh and response rates

6) Alternative Pick #3: Alienware AW2720HF

Some games prioritize speed over everything else. To have the winning edge, you need to be able to shoot first, run faster, or navigate turns on the racetrack more accurately. Whatever game you’re playing, you want a fast refresh rate.

The AW2720HF has a refresh rate of 240 Hz, which means that there’s only a 4.16-millisecond gap between frames. The result is crisp, rapid-fire graphics that keep you ahead of the pack. For comparison, a 120 Hz refresh rate has an 8.3 ms gap.

Sometimes, a high refresh rate results in blurred or ghosting images. That’s where the benefits of a FreeSync monitor with a quick response time come into play. The 1 ms response time prevents blurring, while FreeSync keeps partial image uploads from appearing. Nothing with this setup holds you back from your fastest possible reaction times.

The super wide-angle screen creates a full picture of your gaming world. You don’t have to worry about distorted edges or, even worse, parts cut off altogether. With an aspect ratio of 21:9 on a 27-inch screen, you can see absolutely everything.

The lower resolution of this gaming monitor might hold some gamers back. At 1920 x 1080, it is a high definition screen. You won’t be able to miss the details of your virtual game world. However, when you compare these statistics with the rest of the computer screen market, there are many with higher, crisper resolutions.

PROS

240 Hz refresh rate

21:9 wide-angle aspect ratio

AlienFX custom lighting system

CONS

1920 x 1080 resolution

7) Alternative Pick #4: ViewSonic VX2257

For casual gaming, you want a monitor that handles your games, but you don’t necessarily need to spend the money on a top of the line machine. It’s not wrong to want a good enough gaming system that doesn’t take your entire savings account. The ViewSonic VX2257 is the perfect monitor for the occasional player.

The 22-inch screen allows you to see everything that’s happening in the game without taking up your entire room. The wide-angle view with a 16:9 aspect ratio and 21.5 inches of viewable space with 1080p high definition is enough that you can see enemies attempting to hide far away. Besides, a 1920 x 1080 resolution meets the requirements for most games available today.

Your eyes will thank you for the comfort features built into this monitor. The blue light filter prevents potential damage from the harmful rays that come from most other screens. Flicker-free technology smooths out the images and prevents eye fatigue, letting you play comfortably for longer.

For some people, the speed statistics might seem unimpressive. The 2 ms response time and a 75 Hz refresh rate are slower than most of the monitors on our list. However, thanks to the built-in FreeSync technology, you won’t have any of the image tearing that comparable systems might experience.

Though it’s not the biggest, fastest, or brightest gaming setup money can buy, this budget-friendly monitor gets the job done. If it fails to perform as promised, there is a 3-year warranty with United States-based customer service agents to make it right.

PROS

Flicker-free and blue light filter technologies protect your eyes

Low price point

Black stabilization

CONS

75 Hz refresh rate and 2 ms response time

Freesync Monitor FAQ

What is FreeSync?

FreeSync is the brand name for AMD’s VRR technology. You must have an AMD graphics card for this adaptive-sync protocol to work.

VRR stands for variable refresh rate. This name describes the process a computer uses to load the next images onto the screen.

How does FreeSync work?

Traditionally, images refresh on your screen at set time intervals. Your graphics card will put something new on the screen at a set number of frame rates per second (fps). This setup works well if you’re not playing a game that moves faster than your graphics card.

But as we all know, most video games today move quickly. When game speed requires the picture to refresh faster than your graphics setup can handle, then the visuals will lag.

One workaround to lagging is to set your screen to reload as quickly as possible. In some instances, this is helpful. Often, however, it causes image tearing and the presentation of half-complete visuals.

VRR technology solves all of these problems. As the name suggests, the variable refresh rate does not have limits set by time constraints. Instead, it loads the new graphics as soon as the card finishes drawing them. That way, you see complete images as quickly as possible.

Is FreeSync worth it?

Yes! The vast improvements that VRR brings to the visual quality of games are easily noticeable. You won’t experience the frustrations that come from torn or lagging images.

G-sync is FreeSync’s closest competitor. It requires proprietary hardware and expensive monitor upgrades. These setups cost a lot of money for little improvement.

FreeSync works with any hardware, and the only requirement is an AMD graphics card. This openness keeps the monitors more affordable and makes quality VRR technology available to everyone.

Conclusion

When choosing your next gaming monitor, it’s essential to consider the types of video games that you like to play. First-person shooter games benefit from different specs than sports-based games. Action-adventure and strategy games require still different monitor characteristics. The best gaming monitor for you is the one that gives you smooth gameplay with flawless graphics.

FreeSync technology takes the impressive components lists of all of the gaming monitors on our list and raises them another level. No matter which style of game you prefer, you’ll appreciate the precise graphics that this technology provides.

Other graphics card brands charge extra for proprietary hardware to make VRR work on your monitor. However, FreeSync works with any setup as long as there’s a compatible AMD graphics card. As a result, FreeSync technology is more affordable and accessible, no matter what monitor style you choose.

If you’re ready to upgrade your user experience and take your gaming to the next level, you’ll be thrilled with any of the gaming monitors listed above. Don’t let your lagging, stuttering setup be the reason that you aren’t at the top of the leaderboard.